What is the best way to gather alpha tuso ink in ARK: Survival Evolved?

Gathering alpha tuso ink in ARK: Survival Evolved is a challenging but rewarding task. Alpha Tusoteuthis, also known as the alpha giant squid, is one of the most dangerous creatures in the ocean. It drops alpha tuso ink upon defeat, which is a valuable resource used in crafting and taming. Below is a detailed guide on how to successfully gather alpha tuso ink, covering mechanics, strategies, and tips.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Alpha Tusoteuthis is a rare spawn in the deep ocean, typically found in the open waters of maps like The Island, Ragnarok, and Valguero. It is significantly larger and more powerful than a regular Tusoteuthis, with higher health, damage, and resistance to torpor. Alpha Tusoteuthis can grab and immobilize creatures, including tamed dinosaurs, making it a formidable opponent. Defeating it requires careful preparation, strong tames, and a solid strategy.

To begin, youÔÇÖll need to prepare your equipment and tames. A high-level Basilosaurus or Mosasaurus is highly recommended for this task. Basilosaurus is particularly useful because it has natural immunity to the TusoteuthisÔÇÖ grab attack and can heal quickly in the water. Equip your tame with a strong saddle and stock up on healing items like cooked meat or custom consumables. YouÔÇÖll also want to bring a scuba set or Lazarus Chowder to manage oxygen while underwater. Additionally, pack some stimulants or stimberries to counteract the TusoteuthisÔÇÖ torpor-inducing attacks.

Next, locate the alpha Tusoteuthis. It typically spawns in deep ocean biomes, so youÔÇÖll need to explore areas like the underwater trenches or caves. Use a fast aquatic tame like an Ichthyosaurus or a Manta to scout the area safely. Once youÔÇÖve found the alpha, assess its level and surroundings. Avoid engaging if itÔÇÖs near other dangerous creatures like Megalodons or Electrophorus, as they can complicate the fight.

When youÔÇÖre ready to engage, approach the alpha Tusoteuthis with your Basilosaurus or Mosasaurus. Keep your distance initially and use ranged attacks if possible. If youÔÇÖre using a Basilosaurus, its natural resistance to grabs will allow you to stay in the fight longer. Focus on dealing consistent damage while avoiding the alphaÔÇÖs tentacle attacks. If your tame gets grabbed, use stimulants to counteract the torpor and continue attacking. Be prepared for a long fight, as alpha creatures have high health pools.

One important tip is to avoid using tames that are vulnerable to grabs, such as Megalodons or Plesiosaurs. These creatures can be easily immobilized and killed by the alpha Tusoteuthis, wasting your time and resources. Additionally, always keep an eye on your tameÔÇÖs health and stamina. If the fight becomes too dangerous, retreat and heal before re-engaging.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the alpha TusoteuthisÔÇÖ strength and not preparing adequately. Many players attempt to fight it with underleveled tames or insufficient healing items, leading to failure. Another mistake is engaging in unfavorable conditions, such as low oxygen or nearby hostile creatures. Always ensure youÔÇÖre fully prepared before starting the fight.

For advanced techniques, consider using a pack of high-level Basilosaurus or Mosasaurus to divide the alphaÔÇÖs attention and deal more damage. You can also use underwater traps or structures to limit the alphaÔÇÖs movement, though this requires significant preparation and resources. Another optimization is to bring a tribe member to assist in the fight, as teamwork can make the encounter much easier.

Resource requirements include high-quality saddles, healing items, and stimulants. YouÔÇÖll also need a strong aquatic tame, which may require significant time and effort to breed and level. If youÔÇÖre playing solo, focus on maximizing your tameÔÇÖs stats and bringing extra supplies to compensate for the lack of support.

In summary, gathering alpha tuso ink requires careful preparation, strong tames, and a solid strategy. Use a Basilosaurus or Mosasaurus to engage the alpha Tusoteuthis, avoid vulnerable tames, and bring plenty of healing items. Scout the area beforehand and avoid unfavorable conditions. With the right approach, you can successfully defeat the alpha Tusoteuthis and collect its valuable ink.